Toothaches can be excruciating, often making it difficult to focus on daily activities. While professional dental care is the best solution, many home remedies can temporarily relieve discomfort, with garlic being one of the most commonly used natural treatments. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and long history of medicinal use, garlic has been touted as a remedy for various ailments, including tooth pain. But when it comes to garlic for toothaches, how long should it be left on the painful area for the best results?

This blog will explore how garlic can help relieve toothache pain, how long you should leave it on your affected tooth, and how to properly use garlic for toothache relief.

1. How Does Garlic Help Relieve Tooth Pain?

Garlic has been a popular home remedy for centuries, and its effectiveness in relieving tooth pain can be attributed to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The active compound in garlic, allicin, provides these therapeutic effects. Allicin is known for its ability to kill bacteria and reduce swelling, which can contribute to tooth pain.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Garlic can help reduce inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissues, a common source of painful toothache.
• Antibacterial properties: Garlic can also kill the bacteria that contribute to tooth infections and gum disease, thus helping to treat the underlying causes of pain.
• Pain relief: Garlic has been shown to provide temporary relief from throbbing pain, often associated with toothaches caused by infections or gum disease.

While garlic can help manage tooth pain symptoms, it’s important to remember that it does not treat the root cause of the pain. It is best used temporarily until you can seek professional dental care.

2. How Long Should You Leave Garlic on a Toothache?

The duration you should leave garlic on a toothache depends on how you use it. There are a few different ways to apply garlic for tooth pain, such as using a raw garlic clove, garlic paste, or garlic powder. Each method has different recommended durations:

Raw Garlic Clove:

One of the most effective methods is directly applying a raw garlic clove to the affected tooth or gum. To use this method:

1. Peel a raw garlic clove and crush it slightly to release the allicin.
2. Place the garlic directly on the sore tooth or affected area.
3. Please leave it in the area for about 5 to 10 minutes. You can repeat this process up to three times a day if needed.

Why 5 to 10 minutes?

• Raw garlic is potent; leaving it on for 10 minutes can cause irritation or a burning sensation in the mouth. Removing the garlic promptly is important to avoid gum irritation or burning sensations that can occur with prolonged exposure to garlic.

Garlic Paste:

Another common method is to create a garlic paste for toothache relief. To make the paste:

1. Crush two to three garlic cloves into a fine paste.
2. Add a few drops of olive oil or water to make applying easier.
3. Apply the garlic paste directly onto the affected tooth or the area of painful gums.
4. Leave it on for 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse your mouth with warm water.

Why 5 to 15 minutes?

• Garlic paste can be a bit gentler than raw garlic, so it can typically be left on for a bit longer. However, if you experience any discomfort or irritation, it’s best to rinse off the paste sooner. It is also recommended to start with a shorter duration to gauge how your mouth reacts.

Garlic Powder:

If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can relieve tooth pain. To use garlic powder:

1. Mix garlic powder with a small amount of water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the painful tooth.
3. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

Why 5 to 10 minutes?

• Garlic powder works similarly to raw garlic but can be less potent. Therefore, 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient for relief, but the paste should be washed off promptly to avoid irritation.

3. How Garlic Helps Alleviate Painful Tooth Symptoms

Using garlic for toothache provides several benefits that can help alleviate painful toothache symptoms and improve oral comfort. Here’s how garlic works to relieve pain:

• Pain relief: Garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling in the affected area, easing the pressure and discomfort caused by inflammation.
• Antibacterial effect: If a bacterial infection or gum disease causes your tooth pain, garlic’s antibacterial properties help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the infection and ultimately alleviating pain.
• Reduced sensitivity: For sensitive teeth or pain caused by tooth decay, garlic may help by numbing the affected area, providing relief from pain that worsens when eating or drinking.

4. Potential Risks and Precautions

Although garlic is generally considered safe, there are a few risks to be aware of when using it for tooth pain:

• Burning or irritation: Raw garlic is potent, and when applied directly to the gums or affected tooth for too long, it can cause burning sensations or gum irritation. Always start with shorter durations to see how your body responds.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to garlic. If you experience swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing, remove the garlic immediately and seek medical attention.
• Damage to tooth enamel: Overusing any acidic substance, including garlic and garlic paste, can harm your tooth enamel. Always gently rinse with water or salt water to cleanse your mouth after using garlic.

5. When to Seek Professional Dental Help

While garlic can provide temporary relief, it is not a cure for underlying dental issues. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening tooth pain, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is crucial. Conditions like tooth decay, abscesses, and gum disease require professional treatment that garlic alone cannot address.

You should also seek professional help if:

• The toothache lasts for more than a few days or intensifies.
• You notice swelling or pus around the affected tooth, which could indicate an infection.
• The pain is severe and does not respond to home remedies like garlic or over-the-counter pain relievers.

6. Other Effective Remedies for Tooth Pain Relief

In addition to garlic, other home remedies can complement your treatment for tooth pain:

• Clove oil: Known for its analgesic properties, it is one of the most effective natural remedies for tooth pain. It contains eugenol, a compound that numbs the area and alleviates discomfort. Apply a few drops of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the painful area.
• Cold compress: A cold compress can help reduce swelling and provide numbing relief for toothaches. Wrap ice in a cloth and apply it to the cheek near the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes.
• Saltwater rinse: Rinsing with warm saltwater can help cleanse the affected area, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse for 30 seconds.
• Peppermint tea bags: After brewing a peppermint tea bag, cool it and apply it to the affected tooth. The coolness will help numb the pain, and the peppermint is soothing.

Conclusion

Garlic can be an effective and natural remedy for temporary relief from tooth pain. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of garlic help to reduce pain and swelling, making it a popular choice for those seeking home remedies for toothaches. Whether you use a raw garlic clove, garlic paste, or garlic powder, leaving it on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, it is important to remember that garlic is a temporary solution, and Lyndarum Family Dentist in Epping should address persistent or severe tooth pain for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

References

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/home-remedies/how-to-get-rid-of-toothache-quickly-simple-home-remedies-to-know/articleshow/113623987.cms

https://www.healthline.com/health/garlic-for-toothache

https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-use-garlic-to-cure-toothache